Joseph Domanico,DOT

“The overall vision of Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) fits so well with the principals of occupational therapy,” says Joseph Domanico, Occupational Therapist at CTCA® in Philadelphia. It was that shared vision, and the bond among the patients and providers, that drew him to CTCA.

Domanico earned a bachelor’s degree in health science at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. He then completed a master’s degree in occupational therapy at the same institution in 2000.

In 2000, Domanico joined a hospital in Philadelphia as an occupational therapist, where he worked with patients in acute care, acute rehabilitation and outpatient settings. In 2005, he became senior occupational therapist, in which he served on the patient advocacy committee to help set hospital policies, among other duties. In 2007, he joined the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia as a lab instructor for human occupations courses.

Domanico completed his doctorate degree in occupational therapy at Temple University in January 2010, with a focus on geriatric care and leadership.

A professional member of the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists, the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association, and the American Occupational Therapy Association, Domanico is very active in his field. He has presented research at several professional conferences, and is a member of the University of the Sciences Advisory Board.

Domanico joined CTCA in 2012. He evaluates patients’ activity of daily living status, a common measurement tool in occupational therapy, and provides suggestions on how to maintain and improve their performance. He works with patients to assess their living situation and lifestyle in order to identify and solve potential problems. He also addresses any need for additional support or equipment that patients may have during or after treatment.

For Domanico, working closely with oncology patients is what makes his work both effective and rewarding. “Allowing patients to be part of treatment planning and goals makes for effective care,” he says.

In 2012, Domanico received the Stakeholder Achievement Award from the CTCA Board of Directors in recognition of his work with providing support for an intensive care unit patient.